Sebastián de Eslava facts for kids
Sebastián de Eslava y Lazaga was an important Spanish general and leader. He was born on January 19, 1685, in Enériz, Navarre, Spain. He passed away on June 21, 1759, in Madrid. From April 24, 1740, to November 6, 1749, he served as the viceroy of the Viceroyalty of New Granada. This was a large Spanish territory in South America. During his time as viceroy, a big battle happened. The British Admiral Edward Vernon was defeated at the Battle of Cartagena de Indias. After Sebastián de Eslava died, he was given a special title. He was named marqués de la Real Defensa de Cartagena de Indias. This means "Marquis of the Royal Defense of Cartagena de Indias."
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What was the Viceroyalty of New Granada?
In 1740, the Viceroyalty of New Granada was created again. A viceroyalty was a large area of land ruled by a viceroy. The viceroy was like a king's representative. This part of South America included lands that are now Venezuela, Colombia, Panama, and Ecuador.
This area was first part of the Viceroyalty of Peru. But it was very far from the capital city, Lima. So, in 1718, it became its own viceroyalty. This first time, it only lasted until 1724. Then, it went back to being part of Peru.
However, it was still hard to govern such a huge area from Lima. So, in 1740, New Granada became a viceroyalty once more. The reasons were the same as before. It was too far to manage, the population was growing, and taxes needed collecting. Also, it needed better defense and control. In August 1739, Sebastián de Eslava was chosen to be the first viceroy of this new setup. He was told by the King to protect the territory from British attacks.
Sebastián de Eslava's Start as Viceroy
Sebastián de Eslava studied at a military school in Barcelona, Spain. He became a high-ranking general in the Spanish Royal Army. He was also a commander in a special group called the Order of Calatrava.
In April 1740, he arrived in Cartagena de Indias. This city was a very important port. He stayed there for his entire time as viceroy. He did not travel to other parts of the territory.
His main job was to make the area safe. He fixed the Castle of Bocachica and other forts. These forts protected the port of Cartagena. He also started a factory at the Castle of San Lázaro. This factory made parts for cannons. He made sure the Spanish soldiers had enough weapons and training. He also built defenses in other cities. These included Santa Marta, Puerto Cabello, and Gaira. He made the fort at Ayara stronger. He also improved the Castle of San Antonio in Cumaná. He even approved building a new fort on an island. This island was called Caño de Limones. He also made sure the military post in Guayana was well-equipped.
The War of Jenkins' Ear
These defense efforts were very important. Britain and Spain were fighting over trade in America. In 1739, Britain declared war on Spain. This war was called the War of Jenkins' Ear. Protecting the coast was key for Spain.
On November 21, 1739, British Admiral Edward Vernon captured Portobelo. This city was on the Atlantic side of Panama. It was part of New Granada. This happened just before Eslava arrived in Cartagena. After this win, Vernon decided to attack Cartagena.
On March 13, 1741, Vernon's fleet blocked the port of Cartagena. He had 51 warships and 135 transport ships. He also had 2,000 cannons and over 28,000 men. This was one of the biggest fleets ever seen!
The city was defended by Spanish Admiral Blas de Lezo. He had about 3,000 Spanish soldiers. He also had 600 Indian archers and six large warships. Blas de Lezo had prepared very well. The city's strong forts also helped.
On the night of April 19, the British attacked the fort of San Felipe. This was part of the Battle of Cartagena de Indias. But the British soldiers had a problem. Their ladders were too short to reach the top of the walls. They could not go forward or back. The Spanish soldiers then fired at them. After that, the Spanish attacked with bayonets. The remaining British soldiers had to stay on their ships. They were running out of supplies.
Finally, Admiral Vernon had to give up. He lifted the blockade and went back to Jamaica. It is said that 8,000 British soldiers died. Only about 1,000 Spanish soldiers died. Blas de Lezo, the brave Spanish admiral, died after this battle. He had already lost a leg, an eye, and an arm in other fights. He died from a disease.
After the Battle of Cartagena
During his time as viceroy, Sebastián de Eslava did many good things. He started new hospitals and towns. He built roads to connect different places. He also helped make peace with the Motilones Indians. He sent weapons, money, and supplies to defend cities like Pamplona and San Faustino. He also helped keep ships moving on the Zulia River.
He built 20 new churches. He also fixed and made bigger many other churches. He protected the existing religious missions. He also organized new missions in Darién, Panama. He made the colony's money situation better. He also improved how justice was handled.
Sebastián de Eslava left New Granada for Spain on February 23, 1750. When he returned to Spain, King Ferdinand VI gave him new important jobs. He was made captain general of Andalucia. Later, on July 2, 1754, he became the minister of war. In 1760, after he had passed away, he was given the special title of marqués de la Real Defensa de Cartagena de Indias.
See also
In Spanish: Sebastián de Eslava para niños
